Spanish Bilingual Paralegal/DOJ Accredited Representative

ILDC Spanish Bilingual Paralegal/DOJ Accredited Representative

Full-time (40hrs/wk.), non-exempt position.

Job Location: Santa Barbara, California

Salary: $28.85/hr.

The Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC) seeks a Spanish Bilingual Paralegal/DOJ Accredited Representative. This position will require the Paralegal to train to become a Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representative. DOJ Accredited Representatives are non-attorneys who have demonstrated to the DOJ that they have enough education and experience in immigration law to provide immigration legal services. The core functions of this position are (1) direct representation (after accreditation); (2) client communication; and (3) education and advocacy. The ideal candidate for this position is a leader, passionate about providing excellent services to clients with compassion, integrity, neighborliness, and tenacity. This position reports directly to our executive director and a staff attorney.

What we Offer

 A career at ILDC offers the opportunity to work with a team of professionals driven by our passion for defending immigrants’ rights to due process. Our benefits include:

• Generous PTO, plus 10 holidays and a one-week winter break
• Medical and dental benefits
• Generous Parental & Family Leave
• Flexibility to remote work, when business needs doesn’t require you to be in the Santa Barbara office.

CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Direct Representation

• Attend training with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) and perform tasks within the DOJ Guidelines to become a DOJ partially accredited representative.
• Work with attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff who contribute to serving clients who may qualify for a form of immigration relief.
• Manage ongoing casework for attorneys.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records in physical files and on ILDCs case management software, including, but not limited to, logging all new activities, filing receipts, correspondence, and filings in the case file, tracking reminders and deadlines, meeting filing deadlines, etc., described in detail in ILDCs Case Management Policies & Procedures Manual.
• Effectively and efficiently track open/closed cases using ILDCs case management software and call immigration court clerks when needed.
• Assist attorneys with forms, statements, cover letters, motions, petitions, filings, and briefs.
• Once accredited, represent clients before USCIS.

Client Communication:

• Maintain contact with ILDC clients and promptly return calls according to the Case Management Policies & Procedures Manual.
• Keep clients aware of the status of their cases.
• Inform clients of the risks and benefits of applying for immigration forms of relief.

Advocacy and Education:

• Contribute to outreach and education programs related to immigration law and advocate for immigrants’ rights.
• Provide education and advocacy to promote an accurate understanding of immigration law and policy, especially to agencies that work with children.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or associate degree;
• Spanish language fluency;
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills;
• Valid California Driver’s License;
• Ability to travel as needed to conduct administrative tasks and meet with clients, including traveling to our Santa Maria Office when needed;
• Ability to work in a team and handle multiple tasks in an organized and timely manner;
• Ability to think strategically, problem-solve, exercise good judgment, and lead change;
• A record of moving legal cases forward and the ability to support attorney(s) managing a heavy caseload;
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.

Attributes:

• Must demonstrate behavior that aligns with ILDC’s mission, vision, and values.
• Excellence, Compassion, Inclusion, and being Proactive.
• Able to communicate cross-culturally and work in a multicultural setting with patience and compassion with diverse individuals.
• Strong commitment to public interest legal services and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities.

ILDC has an organizational commitment to incorporate equity and inclusion in the work we do and the work environment we create. All staff are expected to uphold this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.

APPLICATION:

 Email a cover letter, two references, and a resume to julissa@sbimmigrantdefense.org; include Spanish Bilingual Paralegal /DOJ Accredited Representative in the email’s subject line. In your cover letter, indicate your interest and experience working with the immigrant community and your availability date.